On Saturday, November 16, families gathered at Riverwalk Park in Port Orange for an exciting and educational day focused on bike safety. Hosted by Bike/Walk Central Florida in collaboration with FDOT, Volusia County Schools, the Volusia-Flagler TPO (formerly known as the River–to–Sea TPO), and the City of Port Orange, the Port Orange Bike Safety Rodeo brought together kids, parents, and local organizations to promote safe cycling habits and instill a sense of responsibility toward safer streets. This event not only aimed to provide children with the essential skills needed to cycle safely, but also fostered a community spirit of collaboration, empowerment, and proactive learning.
A Fun Day of Learning and Riding
The Bike Safety Rodeo provided a unique opportunity for kids between the ages of 6-12 to engage in a hands-on, supportive environment where they could build confidence and learn the skills necessary to safely navigate the streets. The course, specifically designed for young riders, allowed them to practice essential bike-handling techniques such as starting and stopping, avoiding obstacles, and using hand signals. These activities were crucial for ensuring that the children could not only control their bikes but also understand traffic safety practices like turning and yielding. This practical knowledge, combined with their newfound bike-handling abilities, will help them stay safe whether riding on roads, sidewalks, or trails.
For the kids, the bike rodeo offered much more than just learning—it was a fun-filled experience where they could interact with their peers, practice safe cycling habits, and enjoy themselves outdoors. Parents found the event educational and appreciated how the interactive, activity-based approach made the learning process enjoyable while reinforcing the importance of cycling safety. The combination of practical skills and fun created an environment where both children and their families were engaged in the mission of promoting safe biking for everyone.
Free Helmets and Safety Checks
Ensuring that each participant was fully equipped to ride safely, the Volusia-Flagler TPO provided free helmet fittings, giving away helmets to children who didn’t already have one. This gesture helped ensure that every rider had the proper protective gear before hitting the course.
Special thanks go to Pedal Driven and The Hub Cycling volunteers who provided bike safety checks, making sure that each bike was in good condition before being used by the kids. The quick yet thorough safety checks, covering the bike ABCs (air, brakes, chain/cogs), ensured issues like low tire pressure, brake adjustments, and chain lubrication were addressed. This level of preparedness offered parents peace of mind knowing their children’s bikes were safe and ready to use.
Community Engagement and Local Support
The success of the Port Orange Bike Safety Rodeo was a true testament to the power of community collaboration. FDOT Traffic Safety joined us with their road ranger truck, which gave kids a chance to learn how these vehicles assist cars in emergency situations. This hands-on experience allowed children to understand the importance of road safety in real-world contexts. Additionally, Atkins Realis was on-site with their pedestrian safety trailer, which featured a working traffic signal and stoplight. This provided children and adults with a chance to learn about innovative new technology being piloted by FDOT on Orange Blossom Trail (OBT) that aims to improve pedestrian safety.
The event was also made possible through the participation of local organizations like the Port Orange Police Department and Volusia County Schools. These groups provided valuable support throughout the event, furthering the mission of promoting active transportation and enhancing street safety. Attendees enjoyed giveaways, snacks, and drinks, and learned more about additional bike safety resources from our partners, reinforcing how working together can make our streets safer for everyone.
Thank You to Our Partners
We could not have made the Port Orange Bike Safety Rodeo the success it was without the invaluable support of our dedicated partners and volunteers. A heartfelt thank you goes out to FDOT, Volusia County Schools, the City of Port Orange, and the Volusia-Flagler TPO for their collaborative efforts in making this event a reality. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to our local volunteers, Pedal Driven, and The Hub Cycling for ensuring that every rider was ready to hit the course with confidence. These contributions show just how much can be accomplished when we unite in the effort to improve road safety and promote a healthier, more active community. We’re grateful for everyone’s support, and we look forward to continuing these efforts in the
Looking Ahead
The Port Orange Bike Safety Rodeo was an important step toward fostering safer streets and healthier communities. By equipping kids with the skills, they need to ride safely, we are helping to create a future where cycling is not only fun but also safe. We’re excited to continue these efforts and reach even more children and families in the future.
If you’re passionate about making our communities safer and want to get involved, sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Together, we can create a more connected, bike-friendly Central Florida—one pedal at a time!
P.S. Want to relive the fun? Check out all the photos from the day by visiting our Flickr album! See the smiles, the skills, and the memories we created together.
